Samcro got the second day of the 2018 Cheltenham Festival off to a spectacular start with a fantastic victory in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle.

Gordon Elliott's star, sent off the 8-11 favourite, had been the banker of the four-day meeting at Prestbury Park for many and he lived up to his star billing.

Unbeaten in his six starts under rules, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old landed a magnificent seventh success in the Grade One opener of the second day of the meeting.

Under Jack Kennedy, Samcro was alway going well just off the pace. And although he had a couple of minor concerns with Black Op being untidy at a hurdle in front of him, he cruised to victory.

He went to the front turning for home as the Vision Des Flos faded

Black Op was the only one who tried to make a fight of it but he was never catching the favourite, while a mistake at the final hurdle ended any hope of getting close to winner.

There was no such issues for Samcro, who landed a two-and-three-quarters length success over Black Op (8-1) with Next Destination (4-1), under Ruby Walsh, came home late claim third a further five lengths back.

Samcro is now 7-1 with Skybet and Racebets for next year's Unibet Champion Hurdle behind dual winner Buveur d'Air, who is 7-2 favourite with William Hill and bet365 to claim a hat-trick in 2019.

But for now connections were delighted just to keep their unbeaten record.

Trainer Elliott said: "It's a big team effort from everyone at home, and it worked out great today.

"There was a lot of pressure, for Jack, for me - for everyone, the whole team.

"I'm delighted, it's brilliant."

Michael O'Leary, Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy with Samcro celebrating their victory in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 14 2018 Picture by Michael Steele/Getty Images

There is more to come from Samcro and Elliott is not making too many plans just yet.

Elliott added: "He looks a very exciting horse and we are very lucky to have him. Michael loves his big chasers, but I wouldn't be afraid to bring him back in trip. He has loads of pace.

"He only comes awake when the race gets going and he is asleep the first half of the race. When he got to the front, he pulled up again.

"I will have to speak with Michael and Eddie (O'Leary), but he has definitely got the class and speed to stay over hurdles. He was bought to be a chaser and Colin Bowe, who trained him for his point to point, recommended him strongly to us.

"He is a very good horse."

Gigginstown House Stud and Ryanair owner Michael O'Leary said: "He was terrific - very good - and was given a great ride by Jack Kennedy.

"He's done everything that Gordon's asked him to do. It was great.

"Now the worry is for him to keep fit and well. We'll see how he gets on.

"Hopefully he'll be fit and well and head to Punchestown, and then Gordon will make a plan next year for him.

"At least he's won at Cheltenham so he's going the right way."

Kennedy was delighted and hailed the class of his partner.

He said: "That was unreal. He's just a class horse. I was there way too soon on him, but he kept going.

"The horse is very good. I wasn't happy with the position I had during the race, but he's such a good horse that he got me through."